Firefighters snatch two visitors out of intense Longboat rip current

The strong current quickly swept the adult and teenaged child away from shore and one of the teens was able to swim out of the current to shore. The one who escaped the rip current quickly called for emergency help and the Longboat Key Fire Department responded.

Deputy Fire Chief Sandy Drake arrived at the location just off the 200 block of Lighthouse Point Road. Drake employed water rescue emergency techniques and was able to swim and retrieve the adult man and teenager and bring them to shore.

Both had no sustained injuries.

The Longboat Key Fire Department reports that the three were from out of state on vacation, and were not aware of the rip currents adjacent to New Pass Bridge and along the swirling inlet.

The Fire Department strongly suggests visitors and residents swim along the public beaches on the Gulf side and avoid the swimming in or around the passes on the north and south end of the island.